Back-to-School Donations to Combat Poverty

Caritas Hungary Launches "Joyful Beginnings" Back-to-School Campaign

Caritas Hungary’s "Joyful Beginnings" Back-to-School Campaign aims to support the academic progress of nearly 10,000 children in need each year. This year, from July 31 to September 15, the organization will be collecting donations to ensure that children with limited resources, whether they live in a big city or a remote village, can start the 2024/25 school year with fewer disadvantages. Caritas Hungary believes that the first step in this process is providing the necessary school supplies for the children.

The primary goal of the charity is to stop the generational cycle of poverty, prevent exclusion, and nurture the talents of children. Caritas Hungary’s decades of experience show that there are numerous reasons why disadvantaged students cannot fully benefit from educational opportunities. These children often miss out on early development activities that would help prepare them for school. Many parents struggle with unemployment, making the start of the school year a significant financial burden. Continuous financial and social difficulties often diminish children's motivation and self-esteem, leading to anxiety and poor academic performance. They lack an optimal learning environment and often do their homework in crowded living conditions without parental support.

Caritas Hungary's staff monitor the developmental gaps of students within their scope holistically, involving special educators to bridge these gaps. In September, they provide high-quality school supplies, and throughout the year, they offer skill development programs, sports, arts, and cultural activities, along with tutoring if needed. These efforts support the children, enhancing their social skills and overall well-being. To ensure that as many children as possible can start or continue their education on a path lined with successes, the organization is seeking additional support and welcomes monetary donations for this charitable cause until mid-September.

Gábor Écsy, National Director of Caritas Hungary, summarized the key takeawaysof CH's decades-long work with disadvantaged families: “The greatest potential lies within the children. They live with us and around us, here and now. It is our responsibility to set them on the path of knowledge, building on their natural enthusiasm and curiosity about the world and learning. Disadvantaged children desire the same as everyone else: a safe, fulfilling life. They have been given less at the start, so it is up to us to support the unfolding of their natural curiosity through our help. We have found that fighting poverty, exclusion, and educational lag often begins with overcoming disadvantages by providing opportunities, such as appropriate school supplies and backpacks. We are deeply grateful for every donation that helps us fill these backpacks with school supplies.”

Caritas Hungary’s back-to-school campaign runs from July 31 to September 15. All donations received during this period will be fully dedicated to supporting schoolchildren. In addition to calling the 1356 donation line (500 HUF per call), online donations can be made through the Caritas Hungary website (www.karitasz.hu) under the "Back to School" designation. Donations are also welcome to Caritas Hungary’s central bank account (Raiffeisen Bank 12011148–00124534–00100008). Simultaneously, the charity’s diocesan centers also welcome material and financial contributions locally to support students' successful start to the school year.

Katolikus Karitász - Caritas Hungarica

Images: Katolikus Karitász - Caritas Hungarica; Vermes Tibor